Slat System for Picket Barriers

ABSTRACT

A slat system for picket barriers comprising a plurality of interconnected slats, slat-to-barrier connection means in order to fasten the slat system to the vertical members of a picket barrier, and slat-to-slat connection means to interconnect the slats and allow the slats to adjust laterally and vertically in relation to each other while still maintaining generally continuous combined surfaces between the slats. Whereby, the interconnected slats are fastened to the lateral sides of the vertical members of a picket barrier so as to make private or decorate the picket barrier.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to fences, more particularly to a slat system that can be incorporated into picket barriers, which barriers comprise a series of parallel spaced-apart extending rails supported by posts and having a plurality of pickets therethrough.

2. The Prior Art

Searches were conducted on this invention and the following patents were uncovered in these searches.

U.S. PAT. NO. INVENTOR. DATE

U.S. Pat. No. 3,389,931. St. John. Jun. 25, 1968

U.S. Pat. No. 3,879,017. Maxcy. Apr. 22, 1975

U.S. Pat. No. 4,062,522. Lepetri. Dec. 13, 1977

U.S. Pat. No. 4,586,697. Tornya. May 06, 1986

U.S. Pat. No. 5,015,119. Schmanski. May 14, 1991

U.S. Pat. No. 5,480,126. Teasdale. Jan. 02, 1996

U.S. Pat. No. 5,725,201. Parth. Mar. 10, 1998

U.S. Pat. No. 6,260,828. English. Jul. 17, 2001

DISCUSSION OF PRIOR ART

Picket barriers, fences, railings, and the like (for example, wrought iron fences, ornamental fences, railings, etc.) generally are not private barriers. A private barrier could be described as—but not limited to—one that offers a place of seclusion from observation, noise, and/or company among other things. However, many of the characteristics that make picket barriers popular and attractive may also be very desirable in a privacy barrier. These desirable characteristics could include the aesthetic look, the strength, and the security that numerous types of picket barriers provide. For example, many individuals prefer the strength, security, and/or look of ornamental or wrought iron fences, however if they wish to have privacy, it is usually necessary to either choose a different type of product that is generally designed for privacy, such as a PVC or wood fence, or to modify a picket fence in some way.

One method that individuals have used in the past to modify and add privacy to picket barriers is to fasten a shade cloth or other type of opaque fabric on one side of a barrier section. However, this solution is not ideal in that the pickets are only visible from one side of the barrier and are obscured by the fabric on the other side. Additionally, the fabric tends to deteriorate relatively quickly and come unfastened from the barrier in places over time. Others have fastened rigid boards made of various materials on one side of the barrier to essentially accomplish the same objective. Again, this method has many of the same problems just described, in that the structure only looks like a picket barrier from one side.

Another method used to modify picket barriers has been to cut out pieces of some material—usually wood—and mount the pieces in each space formed between two adjacent pickets and the rails. Although, this provides privacy and also keeps the look of a picket barrier, this solution is very limited because it is time consuming and it is not possible to efficiently manufacture in quantity one single piece that would universally fit into the spaces, as no two manufacturers products are the same and the spaces between the pickets, or a picket and a post can vary even in the same section of the barrier.

Additionally, this solution is further complicated due to the changing nature of picket barriers. For example, in the past, most ornamental and wrought iron barriers were made of steel or iron and were constructed by welding the pickets to the rails and the rails to the posts. This method of manufacturing creates a rigid structure where the angles between the various components are generally ninety degrees and the space between two adjacent pickets and two adjacent rails is generally rectangular. It also means that on sloped or uneven ground it is usually necessary to step the barrier in sections.

Although welded steel and iron barrier sections are still manufactured abundantly today, there are many other products available now that are made out of a variety of different materials such as aluminum, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and fiberglass among others. Many of these products are not welded but are fastened together in a manner that allows the posts and rails, and the rails and pickets to pivot or hinge in relation to each other. These various fastening means permit the barrier sections to bias or conform to uneven ground and steep slopes without modification to the assembled barrier section when installed. The angles between the various components on these types of barrier sections can vary by up to sixty degrees or more in some cases. The rails of these types of barriers are usually made out of U-shaped channels and the rails generally run parallel to the ground regardless of the grade; the pickets and posts are generally vertical regardless of the grade. When a barrier of this type is installed on an angled grade, the space between two adjacent pickets and two adjacent rails forms a parallelogram as opposed to a rectangle. Additionally, the actual distance between two adjacent pickets decreases when the barrier section is biased compared to when it is sitting level.

Therefore, the solution mentioned above that involves cutting out and mounting a piece of material in the space between two pickets and rails is impractical on a large scale because of the multitude of different types of barriers and products available. Also, this solution can only be implemented after the actual barrier has been installed and the angles and spaces between the various components have been determined. As a result this particular solution is very inflexible, laborious, and time consuming to implement.

Accordingly, prior to the development of the present invention, there has been no slat system for picket barriers that:

-   -   (a) can provide a generally universal slat system for different         barriers where the shape and size of the space between two         adjacent pickets and the rail(s) or a picket, adjacent post, and         the rail(s) can substantially vary, even after the slat system         is installed in the barrier.     -   (b) can be installed on a variety of different types of picket         barriers either before or after the barrier itself has been         installed so as to enable the slat system to more easily be used         on new or existing barriers.     -   (c) generally maintains the look of the picket barriers without         obscuring the view of the pickets from one side of the barrier         or by adding significant visual effects that would detract from         the general look of the picket barrier.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Several objects and advantages of the present invention are:

-   -   (a) to provide an adjustable slat system for picket barriers         that adds privacy and/or decoration to the barrier.     -   (b) to provide a slat system that can be installed on a picket         barrier either before or after the barrier itself has been         installed so as to enable the slat system to be more easily used         on both new or existing barriers.     -   (c) to provide a generally universal slat system for picket         barriers wherein the shape and size of the space between two         adjacent pickets and the rail(s) or a picket, adjacent post, and         the rail(s) can substantially vary, even after the slat system         is installed in the barrier.     -   (d) to provide a slat system that allows the barrier to         generally retain the look and desirable characteristics of a         picket barrier.     -   (e) to provide a slat system that is relatively easy and quick         to install.     -   (f) to provide a slat system for manufacturers and/or installers         of picket barriers that will allow them to compete in         potentially new markets (for example, privacy fence markets)         with minimal modification to their current products and/or         product lines.

Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a section of a picket barrier that has welded or rigid connections between the various components, showing how this type of barrier would accommodate uneven terrain.

FIG. 2 is a section of a picket barrier that has hinged connections between the various components, showing how this type of barrier would accommodate uneven terrain.

FIG. 3A is a partial perspective and cross-sectional view of the simplest embodiment of the slat system in a picket barrier.

FIG. 3B is a partial top and cross-sectional view of the simplest embodiment of the slat system in a picket barrier.

FIG. 4 is a top cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment of the slat system.

FIG. 5 is a top cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 4 showing a third embodiment of the slat system.

FIG. 6 is a top cross-sectional view similar to FIGS. 4 and 5 showing a fourth embodiment of the slat system.

FIG. 7A is a top cross-sectional view showing the preferred embodiment of the slat system in its open position.

FIG. 7B is a top cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 7A showing the preferred embodiment of the slat system in its closed position.

FIG. 8A is a partial perspective and cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3A showing the preferred embodiment of the slat system in a picket barrier.

FIG. 8B is a partial top and cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3B showing the preferred embodiment of the slat system in a picket barrier.

FIG. 9 is a partial elevation view of the slat system between two adjacent rails and two adjacent pickets on level terrain.

FIG. 10 is a partial elevation view of the slat system between two adjacent rails and two adjacent pickets on sloped terrain.

FIG. 11 is a partial exploded view showing another embodiment of a slat-to-barrier connection.

FIG. 12 is a partial exploded view showing yet another embodiment of a slat-to-barrier connection.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIGS. 1 AND 2, GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF PICKET BARRIERS

In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 picket barrier assemblies are shown that are comprised of a plurality of substantially vertical posts 20, generally parallel upper and lower rails 24, and a plurality of substantially vertical pickets 22 therethrough. While a particular configuration is depicted with vertical pickets 22 extending the entire distance between two rails 24, it is conceivable that a particular barrier could employ three or more vertically spaced-apart rails rather than two, could have picket extensions projecting upwardly through and out of the top rail, or other variations for a variety of styles desired.

Referring to FIG. 1 a rigid barrier assembly 28 manufactured with welded connections between the pickets 22 and the rails 24 is shown. The space between two adjacent pickets and rails in FIG. 1 is generally shaped like a rectangle 26 a. In welded barrier assemblies, picket and rail connections are generally at right angles, and rail and post connections are generally at right angles as well.

Referring to FIG. 2 an adjustable barrier assembly 29 manufactured with hinged or pivoting connections between the pickets 22 and the rails 24 are shown. The space between the pickets and rails on the sloped portions of the barrier are shaped generally like a parallelogram 26 b the space between the pickets and the rails when the barrier is level is generally shaped like a rectangle 26 a. The picket 22 and the rail connections are generally right angles when the barrier section is level and are generally not at right angles when the barrier section is biased. The rail 24 and the post 20 connections are generally right angles when the barrier section is level and not at right angles when the barrier section is biased. The distance between the pickets can vary and is at its greatest when the barrier is level and decreases as the barrier is biased.

FIGS. 3A AND 3B, DESCRIPTION OF A SIMPLEST EMBODIMENT OF THE SLAT SYSTEM

A simplest embodiment of the slat assembly is illustrated in FIG. 3A (perspective) and FIG. 3B (top). As illustrated, the slat system is installed between a picket 22 a and a post 20 a on an adjustable barrier assembly 29. The adjustable barrier assembly comprises a generally “U” shaped bottom rail 24 a fastened to post 20 a with a bracket 44 a and a fastener 45 a. Rail 24 a comprises a first leg 23 a and a second leg 23 b extending at generally right angles off the ends of a generally horizontal wall 25. The legs of rail 24 a face upward. The picket 22 a is fastened to rail 24 a with a fastener (not shown).

This embodiment of the slat system comprises a first slat 50 a attached to a lateral face of picket 22 a with a fastener 47 a (shown in FIG. 3B) to form a slat-to-barrier connection 210 a. A second slat 50 b, of generally the same shape, is attached to a lateral face of post 20 a opposite picket 22 a using a slat-to-barrier connection 210 b so as to substantially mirror slat 50 a. Slat 50 a and slat 50 b overlap to form a slat-to-slat connection 220 a.

Slats 50 a and 50 b are generally elongate members of substantially the same construction comprising a first surface 110 a, 110 b respectively, a second surface 115 a, 115 b respectively, a top cross-sectional profile 120 a, 120 b respectively, a bottom cross-sectional profile (not shown), a first lateral side 130 a , 130 b respectively, having a slat-to-barrier connecting portion comprising a first wall 56 a, 56 b, a second wall 58 a, 58 b, and a third wall 60 a, 60 b, that are interconnected, with a gap 62 a, 62 b, between wall 56 a, 56 b, and wall 60 a, 60 b, forming an open but generally tri-angle-shaped raceway down the length of the slat; and second lateral side 135 a, 135 b respectively having a slat-to-slat connecting portion comprising a laterally extending wall 54 a, 54 b respectively.

Slat-to-barrier connecting portions 150 a and 150 b and fastener(s) 47 a combine to form the slat-to-barrier connections 210 a and 210 b respectively. Wall 54 a of slat 50 a and wall 54 b of slat 50 b overlap to form a slat-to-slat connection 220 a.

OPERATION OF THE SIMPLEST EMBODIMENT OF THE SLAT SYSTEM

The simplest embodiment of the slat assembly may be installed on the various vertical members of a barrier before or after the barrier assembly is constructed or assembled. Referring to FIG. 3B, slat 50 a is shown mounted on the lateral side of picket 22 a and slat 50 b is mounted opposite on post 20 a. In order to mount or fasten the slats, fastener(s) 47 a is inserted through gap 62 a to attach wall 58 a to picket 22 a or to another vertical member of the barrier as may be required. The slats, in this embodiment, would be constructed of a substantially flexible material to permit one to partially open gap 62 a and insert fastener(s) 47 a through the gap and then have the gap substantially close so as to generally conceal the fastener(s). In this embodiment the slats overlap to form slat-to-slat connection 220 a. This method of connecting the slats allows them to adjust laterally (sideways) and vertically (upward and downward) in relation to each other while still maintaining a generally private appearance. Slat-to-slat connection 220 a also permits the slats to be positioned so that the surfaces are generally flush and the combined surface of both slats is generally continuous. The amount that the slats overlap depends on the distances between the vertical members of the barrier assembly.

The upward pointing legs 23 a, 23 b of rail 24 a hide the bottom profiles of slats 50 a and 50 b. The top profiles of slats 50 a and 50 b would likely be hidden by another generally “U” shaped upper rail (not shown) with the legs pointing in a generally downward direction. The slats could be mounted in adjustable barrier assemblies 29 so that they are situated a predetermined distance above wall 25 of rail 24 a and a predetermined distance below the mirroring horizontal wall of the upper rail (not shown) so as to allow for the movement of the rails in relation to vertical members of the barrier assembly and slat system.

One entire slat system fills the space between the vertical members of the barrier. Additional slat systems may then be installed in the other remaining spaces between adjacent pickets and/or the pickets and adjacent posts in the barrier assembly to make the entire picket barrier a substantially private structure. It is also conceivable that an individual(s) installing the slat system may not wish to fill every single space between adjacent pickets and pickets and posts in a particular barrier with slats, for possibly decorative or other reasons.

FIG. 4, DESCRIPTION OF A SECOND EMBODIMENT OF THE SLAT SYSTEM

FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of the slat system. A first slat 64 b and a second slat 65 c are mounted to picket 22 b and post 20 c respectively utilizing substantially the same slat-to-barrier connections described in the first embodiment. Slats 64 b and 65 c matably interfit using a slat-to-slat connection 220 c.

Slat 64 b is a generally elongate member comprising a first surface 110 b, a second surface 115 b, a top cross-sectional profile 120 b, a bottom cross-sectional profile (not shown), a first lateral side 130 b having a slat-to-barrier connecting portion extending the length of the slat similar to that described in the simplest embodiment, and a second lateral side 135 b having a substantially female slat-to-slat connecting portion comprising two laterally extending walls and a groove 71 b between the walls of a predetermined depth extending the length of the slat.

Slat 65 c is a generally elongate member comprising a first surface 110 c, a second surface 115 c, a top cross-sectional profile 120 c, a bottom cross-sectional profile (not shown), a first lateral side 130 c having a slat-to-barrier connecting portion extending the length of the slat similar to that described in the simplest embodiment, and a second lateral side 135 c having a substantially male slat-to-slat connecting portion comprising a laterally extending wall 73 c of a predetermined size extending from the body of the slat so as to matably fit in groove 71 b of slat 64 b. Groove 71 b and wall 73 c form slat-to-slat connection 220 c.

OPERATION OF THE SECOND EMBODIMENT OF THE SLAT SYSTEM

The operation of the second embodiment of the slat system is substantially the same as the simplest embodiment described previously. Slats 64 b and 65 c are mounted to the lateral faces of the vertical members of the barrier generally the same way using substantially the same slat-to-barrier connection (see FIGS. 3A and 3B). Slats 64 b and 65 c matably interconnect utilizing slat-to-slat connection 220 c, which connection is laterally and vertically adjustable so as to allow the slats move in relation to each other as may be required by the position of the picket barrier. Slat-to-slat connection 220 c also allows the surfaces of the slats to be situated generally flush and the combined surfaces of the slats to be generally continuous.

FIG. 5, DESCRIPTION OF A THIRD EMBODIMENT OF THE SLAT SYSTEM

The third embodiment of the slat system shown in FIG. 5 is different from the second embodiment in that the slats incorporate alternate slat-to-barrier connections. A mounting insert 66 d is attached vertically to the lateral face of a picket 22 d with a fastener(s) 45 d. A second mounting insert 66 e, that is generally the same shape as insert 66 d, is mounted on the lateral face of a post 20 e on the opposite side of the space so the inserts generally mirror each other. Inserts 66 d and 66 e have generally “U” shaped top cross-sectional profiles with a flange on the end of each leg. A first slat 70 d and a second slat 72 e matably connect to inserts 66 d and 66 e respectively, each on an opposite side of the opening forming slat-to barrier connections 210 d and 210 e respectively. Slats 70 d and 72 e matably fit together forming a slat-to-slat connection 220 e similar to that described in the second embodiment of the slat system.

Slat 70 d is a generally elongate member comprising a first surface 110 d, a second surface 115 d, a top cross-sectional profile 120 d, a bottom cross-sectional profile (not shown), a first lateral side 130 d having a slat-to-barrier connecting portion comprising two flanged legs 38 d extending longitudinally the length of the slat, and a second lateral side 135 d having a slat-to-slat connecting portion comprising two extending walls and a groove 71 d between the walls of a predetermined depth extending longitudinally the length of the slat. Legs 38 d may snapedly or slidably connect to insert 66 d to form slat-to-barrier connection 210 d.

Slat 72 e is a generally elongate member comprising a first surface 110 e, a second surface 115 e, a top profile 120 e, a bottom profile (not shown), a first lateral side 130 e having a slat-to-barrier connecting portion comprising two flanged legs 38 e extending longitudinally the length of the slat, and a second lateral side 135 e having a slat-to-slat connecting portion comprising a laterally extending wall 73 e extending longitudinally the length of the slat that matably fits in groove 71 d of slat 70 d. Legs 38 e snapedly or slidably attach to insert 66 e to form slat-to-barrier connection 210 e. Wall 73 e and groove 71 d matably connect to form slat-to-slat connection 220 e.

OPERATION OF THE THIRD EMBODIMENT OF THE SLAT SYSTEM

Referring to FIG. 5, in this embodiment inserts 66 d and 66 e are fastened to the pickets or posts with a fastener(s) 45 d. Inserts 66 d and 66 e may be elongated and run longitudinally down the entire length of the vertical member of the barrier or they may be relatively shorter in length, and/or multiple mounting inserts could be attached along the face of the vertical member at various points. The slat-to-barrier connections 210 d, 210 e allow slats 70 d and 72 e respectively to move vertically (up and down) in relation to the vertical members of the barrier to which they are subto-barrier attached. Slats 70 d and 72 e to connect to inserts 66 d and 66 e respectively to form slat-to-barrier connections 210 d and 210 e respectively. Slats 70 d and 72 e matably interconnect by way of a slat-to-slat connection 220 e that generally allows the slats to adjust or move vertically and laterally a predetermined amount in reference to each other. Slat-to-slat connection 220 e also allows the surfaces of the slats to be situated generally flush with each other and the combined surfaces of the slats to be generally continuous.

FIG. 6, DESCRIPTION OF A FOURTH EMBODIMENT OF THE SLAT SYSTEM

FIG. 6 shows a fourth embodiment of the slat system. This embodiment utilizes generally the same slat-to-barrier connections as described previously in the third embodiment (shown in FIG. 5). The difference in this embodiment is that an additional slat is added to the system and the slats are connected to each other using alternate slat-to-slat connections. Inserts 66 f and 66 g attach to the lateral sides of picket 22 f and post 20 g respectively. A slat 74 f is attached to insert 66 f forming a slat-to-barrier connection 210 f. Slat 74 f is mirrored by a second slat 74 g, that is substantially the same construction, fastened to slat 66 g on the opposite side of the opening forming a slat-to-barrier connection 210 g. A third slat 76 h fastens to lateral edges of slats 74 f and 74 g forming a slat-to-slat connection 220 f, 220 g respectively, effectively interconnecting the three slats.

Slats 74 f and 74 g are generally elongate members of substantially the same construction comprising a first surface 110 f, 110 g respectively, a second surface 115 f, 115 g respectively, a top cross-sectional profile 120 f, 120 g respectively, a bottom cross-sectional profile (not shown), a first lateral side 130 f, 130 g respectively, having a slat-to-barrier connecting portion comprising two flanged legs 38 f, 38 g respectively, a second lateral side 135 f, 135 g having a slat-to-slat connecting portion comprised of two flanged legs with a gap 75 f, 75 g between the flanges of a predetermined width extending longitudinally down the slat.

Slat 76 h is a generally elongate member comprising a first surface 110 h, a second surface 115 h, a top cross-sectional profile 120 h generally shaped as an “I” channel, bottom cross-sectional profile (not shown), a first lateral side 130 h having a slat-to-slat connecting portion comprising a generally arrow-shaped flange 78 f, and a second lateral side 135 h having a slat-to-slat connecting portion comprising a generally arrow-shaped flange 78 g. Flange 78 f matably fits into gap 75 f to form slat-to-slat connection 220 f, and flange 78 g matably fits into gap 75 g to form slat-to-slat connection 220 g.

OPERATION OF THE FOURTH EMBODIMENT OF THE SLAT SYSTEM

Slats 74 f and 74 g fasten generally the same way to the vertical members of the barrier as described in the third embodiment (shown in FIG. 5). Referring to FIG. 6, the fourth embodiment of the slat system shows alternative slat-to-slat connections 220 f and 220 g comprising flanged matable members that hold the slats 74 f, 76 h, and 74 g substantially securely together. Slat-to-slat connections 220 f and 220 g are laterally and vertically adjustable allowing the slats to mover in relation to each other as may be required by the position of the barrier. Slat-to-slat connections 220 f and 220 g also permit the surfaces of the slats to be situated generally flush with each other so that the combined surfaces of the slats are generally continuous.

FIGS. 7A TO 10, DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE SLAT SYSTEM

The following description can be most clearly seen in the top cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 7A. The preferred embodiment of the slat system 100 is comprised principally of five interconnected slats mounted in the space between vertical members of a picket barrier. A first slat 80 i mounts to a vertical member (not shown) of the barrier utilizing a slat-to-barrier connection 210 i, a second slat 80 j of substantially the same shape is mounted on the opposite side of the opening utilizing a slat-to-barrier connection 210 j so as to mirror slat 80 i. A third slat 82 k matably attaches to slat 80 i by means of a slat-to-slat connection 220 i. A fourth slat 82 n matably attaches to slat 80 j utilizing a slat-to-slat connection 220 j. A fifth slat 84 m matably interconnects slats 82 k and 82 n by means of a slat-to-slat connection 220 k and 220 n respectively.

Slats 80 i and 80 j are generally elongate members of substantially the same construction comprising a first surface 110 i, 110 j respectively, a second surface 115 i, 115 j respectively, a top cross-sectional profile 120 i, 120 j, generally shaped as a “C” channel, a bottom profile (not shown), a first lateral side 130 i, 130 j having a slat-to-barrier contively, portion comprising a generally flat wall, and a second lateral side 135 i, 135 j having a slat-to-slat connecting portion comprising two flanged arms with a gap 75 i, 75 j, between them extending longitudinally along the slat.

Slats 82 k and 82 n are generally elongate members of substantially the same construction comprising a first surface 110 k, lion respectively, a second surface 115 k, 115 n, a top cross-sectional profile 120 k, 120 n, a bottom crosssectional profile (not shown), a first lateral side 130 k, 130 n having a slat-to-slat connecting portion comprising a generally arrowhead-shaped flange 43 k, 43 n, and a second lateral side 135 k, 135 n having a slat-to-slat connecting portion comprising of a first outer arm 89 k, 89 n, a second middle flanged arm 90 k, 90 n, and a third outer arm 91 k, 91 n that extend generally laterally from the body of the slat. Each slat having two grooves 86 k, 86 n respectively of a predetermined depth, formed between the extending arms.

Slat 84 m is a generally elongate member comprising a first surface 110 m, a second surface 115 m, a top cross-sectional profile 120 m generally shaped as an “H” channel, and a bottom cross-sectional profile (not shown), a first lateral side 130 m with slat-to-slat connecting portion comprising two flanged arms 88 k with a groove 81 k between them extending the length of the slat, and a second lateral side 135 m having a slat-to-slat connecting portion comprising flanged arms 88 l with a groove 81 n between them extending the length of the slat.

Extending arms 88 k of slat 84 m matably fit into grooves 86 k of slat 82 k respectively, additionally arm 90 k of slat 82 k matably fits into groove 81 k of slat 84 m to form slat-to-slat connection 220 k. Extending arms 88 n of slat 84 m matably fit into grooves 86 n of slat 82 n, additionally arm 90 n of slat 82 n matably fits into groove 81 n of slat 84 m to form slat-to-slat connection 220 n.

FIG. 7B shows the same embodiment of the fence system as described in FIG. 7A, the difference in FIG. 7B being that the slats are in a different position in relation to each other. FIGS. 8A (perspective view) and 8B (top view) show the preferred embodiment of the slat system 100 as it might look between a picket 22 r, a post 20 r, and a generally “U” shaped bottom rail 24 r in a portion of an adjustable barrier assembly 29 similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

FIG. 8B also illustrates an alternate clip-type fastener 49 which has a cross-section as shown and a predetermined width. A first generally flexible and “V” shaped flange 51 a is mounted on one end of a straight section 53 and a second generally flexible and “V” shaped flange 51 b is mounted on the other end.

FIG. 9 is an elevation view that shows the preferred embodiment of the slat system 100 installed in an adjustable fence assembly 29 which is in level position. The slat system is installed between a first picket 22 o and a second picket 22 p that attached to a generally “U” shaped bottom rail 24 o and a generally “U” shaped upper rail 24 p.

FIG. 10 depicts the same section of fence as described in FIG. 9, the difference being that the adjustable fence assembly 29 is in a biased or angled position. The rails and pickets are connected at different angles and the distance 30 between the pickets has decreased.

OPERATION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE SLAT SYSTEM

Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, slat 80 i is fastened to picket 22 n by way of slat-to-barrier connection 210 i. Slat 80 j is connected to post 20 n by means of slat-to-barrier connection 210 j so that slats 80 i and 80 j substantially mirror each other across the space. Slats 82 k and 82 n attach to slats 80 i and 80 j respectively by means of slat-to-slat connections 220 i and 220 j respectively. Slat-to-slat connections 220 i and 220 j allow the slats to move vertically in relation to each other.

One lateral side of slat 84 m connects to slat 82 k by means of slat-to-slat connection 220 k, the other lateral side of slat 84 m attaches to slat 82 n utilizing slat-to-barrier connection 220 n. Slat-to-slat connections 220 k and 220 n are of such a nature so as to allow the slats to adjust laterally and/or vertically in relation to each other yet still remain substantially securely joined. This slat-to-slat connection means also allows the surfaces of the slats to be situated generally flush with each other so that the combined surfaces of the slats are generally continuous.

FIG. 7A shows the preferred embodiment of the slat system in its open position, or in other words, slat 82 k, slat 82 n, and slat 84 m are moved laterally as far apart as is generally possible. FIG. 7B shows the preferred embodiment of the slat assembly in its closed position, or in other words, slat 82 k, slat 82 n, and slat 84 m are moved laterally as close together as is generally possible.

Fastener 49 works by one end being pushed through or snapped into aligned holes (not shown) in the vertical members of slat system and the barrier assembly until the arms of flange 51 a come through the other side of the hole and catch to fasten the members together.

FIG. 9 shows how the slats may sit when the adjustable barrier assembly is on level ground. The bottom edge of the preferred embodiment of the slat system sits between the legs (the legs are not shown) of a generally “U” shaped bottom rail 24 o where the legs of the rail are facing in a generally upwards direction. The legs of rail 24 o generally hide the lower edge of the slat system from view. The top edge of the slat system sits between the legs (not shown) of a generally “U” shaped upper rail 24 p in which the legs are facing in a generally downward direction. The legs of rail 24 p generally hide the top edge of the slat system from view.

FIG. 10 shows how the slats may sit when the adjustable barrier assembly is biased or installed on an angle. As illustrated, the slats are able move vertically and laterally in relation to each other in order to compensate for the different position of the barrier. The following can be seen if one compares FIG. 9 to FIG. 10. Rails 24 o and 24 p B are in different position, there is a different angle between rails 24 o and 24 p and pickets 22 o and 22 p, the space between the members of the barrier is a different shape, the distance 30 o between pickets 22 o and 22 p has decreased in FIG. 10. Additionally, biasing causes the slat system to have a jagged or uneven bottom and top edge as adjacent slats sit at different levels in relation to one another. If seen, this effect would be generally undesirable, as it would not completely block vision through the barrier in these areas and it could be considered unsightly. However, this is overcome, as illustrated in FIG. 10, by hiding uneven bottom edges of the slat system with the upward pointing legs of rail 24 o and hiding the uneven top edges of the slats with the downward pointing legs of rail 24 p. In practice, the top and bottom edges of the slat system could usually be hidden in the manner just described as most adjustable barrier assemblies manufactured today use generally “U” shaped channels for rails. However, if the slat system is installed in a barrier assembly that biases, but is not made with generally “U” shaped rails, one could fasten additional pieces of generally “U” shaped channels to the rails between the vertical members of the barrier so as to enclose the top and bottom of the slat system if necessary.

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION OF ALTERNATIVE SLAT-TO-BARRIER CONNECTIONS

FIGS. 11 and 12 show alternative slat-to-barrier connections. FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of a picket or post 94 having a slat-to-barrier connecting portion comprising a gap or recess 93 running longitudinally down the lateral side(s) so as to allow a slat 101 with a substantially male slat-to-barrier connecting portion 95 to matably, snapedly, or slidably engage to recess 93.

FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of a picket or post 96 having a slat-to-barrier connecting portion comprising a flanged ridge 97 running longitudinally down the lateral side(s) so as to allow a slat 102 having a substantially female slat-to-barrier connecting portion 98 to matably, snapedly, or slidably connect to ridge 97.

CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

Accordingly, the reader will see that the slat system for picket barriers described herein can be used to add privacy and/or decoration to a picket barrier, can be installed either before after the barrier itself has been installed so as to enable the slat system to be more easily used on both new or existing barriers, can be used as a generally universal slat system that can adapt to most types of picket barriers. The slat system can also be incorporated into a picket barrier while still maintaining the general style of the barrier and many of its desirable characteristics such as aesthetic look, strength, security, and the like. Part of this objective is accomplished through connections that allow the slats surfaces to sit generally flush with one another and the combined surfaces to be generally continuous. Furthermore, manufacturers and installers of picket barriers will be able to incorporate the slat system into their existing products with relatively little modification, which may allow them to compete in additional markets with the same products.

Although the description above contains many specificity's, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention as obvious modifications and equivalents will be apparent to one skilled in the art; for example, it is also feasible to add additional vertical members or slats to the slat system over and above that which is described or illustrated herein. Additionally, the slats could have other shapes and cross-sectional designs. Textures and patterns may be added to the slats simply for decorative purposes or to give them the appearance of other products, materials, or items such as wood, a hedge, bricks, and the like. Additionally, the slat system may be manufactured and used not solely for the intent of adding privacy to a barrier, but also to increase the aesthetic appeal or to add ornamentation by possibly incorporating designs, and/or patterns, and the like, that may also allow one to partially see through the barrier.

Additionally, the slats could be fastened to the generally vertical members of a picket barrier by a number of different connecting means, including, but not limited to screws, nuts and bolts, clips, nails, snaps, tacks, bands, brackets, rivets, adhesion, welding, mated connections, and the like.

Furthermore, a number of means for connecting or interconnecting the elongated members such as slats, pickets, posts, and the like have been described in the various embodiments of the slat system. In reality, any of these connective means, or variations thereof described above, could be interchanged or modified slightly to be incorporated into any one of the embodiments of the slat system heretofore described. Additionally, other suitable connective means that allow elongated members to move vertically and/or laterally in relation to the other could also be incorporated into this invention as a means for interconnecting the generally vertical members.

The slats and other components could also be made out of a number of different materials. In the preferred embodiment, the slat system is preferably extruded from polyvinyl chloride (PVC); however, the slats may also be manufactured using any suitable thermoplastic material such as, but not limited to, polypropylene, polyethylene, low density polyethylene (LDPE), vinyl acetate copolymers, vinyl chloride monomers (VCM), or acrylonitrile-butadi-ene-styrene (ABS), which may have the requisite durability, strength, and flexibility characteristics which may be necessary for the invention as described. Furthermore, slats may also be manufactured using other materials and/or processes. For example, the slats may be molded from suitable thermoplastic material, or extruded or formed out of fiberglass. Additionally, the components may be extruded, formed by a die, formed by rolling, or formed by bending metals or metallic alloys.

Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given. 

1. A slat system for picket barriers comprising: a) a plurality of slats each having first and second surfaces, a desired length, predetermined top and bottom cross-sectional profiles, and first and second lateral sides having connecting portions; and b) slat-to-barrier connection means comprising: i) slat-to-barrier connecting portions on the lateral sides of said slats that are adjacent to vertical members of a picket barrier; and ii) means for attaching said slat-to-barrier connecting portions to the desired substantially lateral sides of said vertical members of a picket barrier; and c) slat-to-slat connection means comprising: i) slat-to-slat connecting portions on the lateral sides of said slats that are adjacent to other said slats; ii) connection means for positioning desired said surfaces on adjacent said slats thereby one adjacent said surface may be disposed generally flush with another to form a generally continuous combined surface between said slats; iii) at least one laterally adjustable connection means for connecting said slat-to-slat connecting portions on desired adjacent said slats, whereby privacy may be added to a picket barrier.
 2. A slat system according to claim 1, wherein the said slats are made out of polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
 3. A slat system according to claim 1, wherein said slat-to-slat connection means comprises said slat-to-slat connecting portions on adjacent said slats overlapping.
 4. A slat system according to claim 1, wherein said slat-to-slat connection means comprises said slat-to-slat connecting portions on adjacent said slats matably interconnecting.
 5. A slat system according to claim 4, wherein said slat-to-slat connecting portions comprise flanged matable members.
 6. A slat system according to claim 1, wherein said means for attaching said slat-to-barrier connecting portions to said vertical members of a picket barrier comprises a first matable means on said vertical member of a picket barrier, and a second matable means on said slat-to-barrier connecting portions.
 7. A slat system according to claim 6, wherein said first matable means comprises a gap extending down the lateral side of said vertical member of a picket barrier, and said second matable means comprises a substantially male flanged member extending along said slat-to-barrier connecting portion.
 8. A slat system according to claim 6, wherein said first matable means comprises a flanged ridge extending down the lateral side of said vertical member of a picket barrier, and said second matable means comprises a substantially female member extending along said slat-to-barrier connecting portion.
 9. A slat system according to claim 1, wherein said means for attaching said slat-to-barrier connecting portions to the desired substantially lateral sides of said vertical members of a picket barrier is a screw.
 10. A slat system according to claim 1, wherein said means for attaching said slat-to-barrier connecting portions to said vertical members of a picket barrier comprises a clip with generally V shaped flanges on each end inserted through aligned holes in said slat-to-barrier connecting portions and said vertical members of a picket barrier.
 11. A slat system according to claim 1, wherein said means for attaching said slat-to-barrier connecting portions to said vertical members of a picket barrier comprises mounting inserts attached to said vertical members of a picket barrier and said mounting inserts comprise a first matable connective means so as to connect to a second matable connective means on said slat-to-barrier connecting portions.
 12. A slat system according to claim 11, wherein said first matable connective means comprises a first and a second flanged arm generally parallel to each other and extending laterally with the flanges generally pointing away from each other, and a second matable connective means consisting of a third and a fourth flanged arm generally parallel to each other and extending laterally with the flanges generally pointing toward each other so that said third and fourth flanged arms snapedly or slidably encompass said first and second flanged arms.
 13. A slat system according to claim 1, wherein the slat system comprises a first slat, a second slat, a third slat, a fourth slat, and a fifth slat, and a) said first slat comprising: i) the top cross-sectional profile generally shaped as a C, ii) the first lateral side of said first slat having a slat-to-barrier connecting portion comprising a generally flat wall, and iii) the second lateral side of said first slat having the slat-to-slat connecting portion comprising a first flanged arm and a second flanged arm with a groove between them extending longitudinally along the slat, and b) said second slat comprising: i) the top cross-sectional profile generally shaped as a E, ii) the first lateral side of said second slat comprising the slat-to-slat connecting portion comprising a generally arrowhead-shaped flange that matably connects into said groove of said first slat, enabling said first slat and said second slat to move vertically in relation to each other, and iii) the second lateral side of said second slat having the slat-to-slat connecting portion comprising an first outer arm, a middle flanged arm, and a second outer arm that extend generally laterally from the body of the slat with a first groove and a second groove of a predetermined depth formed between the arms, and c) said third slat comprising: i) the top cross-sectional profile generally shaped as a sideways H, ii) the first lateral side of said third slat comprising the slat-to-slat connecting portion comprising a first flanged extending arm and a second flanged extending arm with a first groove between them extending the length of the slat so that said first flanged extending arm of said third slat matably fits in said first grove of said second slat, said second f langed extending arm of said third slat matably fits in said second groove of said second slat, and said middle flanged arm of said second slat matably fits in said first groove of said third slat, so that said third slat and said second slat may move laterally and vertically in relation to each other without being easily separated, and iii) the second lateral side of said third slat comprising the slat-to-slat connecting portion comprising a third flanged extending arm and a fourth flanged extending arm with a second groove between them extending the length of the slat, and d) said fourth slat of substantially the same shape and construction of said second slat comprising: i) the top cross-sectional profile generally shaped as a backwards E, and ii) the first lateral side of said fourth slat comprising a slat-to-slat connecting portion comprising an first outer arm, a middle flanged arm, and a second outer arm that extend generally laterally from the body of the slat with a first groove and a second groove of a predetermined depth formed between the arms, so that said middle flanged leg of said fourth slat matably connects to said second groove of said third slat and said third flanged arm of said third slat matably fits in said first groove of said fourth slat, said fourth arm of said third slat matably fits in said second groove of said fourth slat, so that said fourth slat and said third slat may move laterally and vertically in relation to each other without being easily separated, and iii) the second lateral side of said fourth slat comprising a slat-to-slat connecting portion comprising a generally arrowhead-shaped flange, e) said fifth slat of substantially the same shape and construction of said first slat comprising: i) the top cross-sectional profile generally shaped as a backward C, and ii) the first lateral side of said fifth slat comprising a slat-to-slat connecting portion comprising a first flanged arm and a second flanged arm with a groove between them extending longitudinally along the slat so that said generally arrowheadshaped flange of said fourth slat matably connects to said groove of said fifth slat, and iii) the second lateral side of said fifth slat comprising a slat-to-barrier connecting portion comprising a generally flat wall, whereby said first slat and said fifth slat are connected to a first and second vertical member of a picket barrier respectively, and said first, second, third, fourth, and fifth slats are interconnected. 